Auburn Women’s’ Basketball team will take part in the WBCA’s “Think Pink” for the first time Sunday when they host South Carolina at Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum.
“Think Pink” is a global initiative designed to raise breast cancer awareness on college campuses. This year, the event will be Feb. 8 -17.
Sunday, ALFA Insurance will donate $1 for the first 5,000 fans that attend the AU game.
Nell Fortner, head coach of the Auburn women’s basketball team, is taking it one step further with a pledge to donate $1 for the next 5,000.
“There are over 900 schools actively participating,” said Fortner. “I hope we have a chance to make a difference in someone’s life.”
In addition to the donations, players will sport pink accessories and there will be pink cotton candy at the game.
The first 150 AU students who attend will receive a pair of pink Crocs; the first 500 will receive a pink Auburn mini basketball.
“I’m hoping we will have pink uniforms next year,” Fortner said.
It also strikes a personal note with several players.
Senior Juanitta Wallace, sophomore Reneisha Hobbs and junior Sherell Hobbs lost their aunts to breast cancer.
Freshman Ruth Ketcham’s aunt is a survivor of the disease.
“It hits me at home,” she said. “It makes me more aware. I understand the seriousness of the disease.”
She said the event would bring “extra energy” to the game.
Although not personally affected by breast cancer, Jordan Greenleaf was excited about the chance to raise awareness about the disease.
“I love the cause,” she said. “I have my pink wrist bands and pink shoe laces.”
Greenleaf said an alumna who is a survivor, Marianne Merritt, came and spoke about Auburn Basketball and her fight with breast cancer.
“Hearing her story made me think a lot,” she said. “Basketball keeps her going.”
Merritt teaches a girls’ basketball team.
“It (the campaign) puts breast cancer in perspective of something I love,” said Merritt. “It feels great to know people are still out there fighting the fight.
Sunday’s game begins at 2 p.m.
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